Bud and Rachel’s late check-in had finally arrived. They saw him run up to the porch, then pause to shake the rain off his jacket and run his hands through his hair. When he came in carrying a bag, they were at the door to greet him.

“Mr. Adamos?” Bud asked.

“Yes, and call me Marc,” he said. “Thank you for staying open for me. I apologize for the late arrival.”

“Not a problem. We’re glad to have you,” Rachel said as she introduced herself and Bud, then began explaining the B and B’s schedule as Marc registered.

“The kitchen is closed, but if you didn’t get a chance to have dinner, I can bring up a tray of fruit and cheese, and some toasted baguettes—homemade, of course.”

“I did not take time to stop and eat, and that offer is much appreciated.”

“A bottle of wine perhaps, or would you prefer something else?” Bud asked.

“A glass of wine would suffice,” Marc said.

“I’ll get the tray, and Bud will show you to your room. We have other guests, and they may already be asleep,” Rachel added.

“I will take care to be quiet,” Marc said, then picked up his bag and followed Bud up the stairs.

Bud took him to the last room on the right at the end of the hall, and Rachel followed a few minutes later with his food. Ignoring the suitcase he had yet to unpack, Marc sat down at a little table with his tray of fruit and cheese, put a slice of smoked Gouda on a still warm, toasty baguette, and turned on the TV, making sure to keep the volume low.

He hadn’t seen or heard much in the way of news since he left Springfield, so he turned the TV on to CNN. His feet were up. The tray of food was in his lap, and the glass of wine on the table at his elbow.

This was as relaxed as he’d been through the whole trip. Tomorrow he’d check at the police station for the whereabouts of Johnny Pine and find out about the lady Pine had rescued, along with the identities of the two orderlies who’d helped get the woman into the hospital. Just the thought of a new piece to add to his story was exciting.

It was nearing half past one in the morning when he finally crawled into bed. This time, he set his alarm so that he wouldn’t miss breakfast and then fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

* * *

When the alarm went off the next morning, Marc was up in a flash. He showered and shaved, then dressed casually for the day, choosing a pair of navy slacks and a long-sleeved light-blue polo shirt to go with a pair of black loafers.

He came down the stairs, sidestepping three elderly ladies at the desk who were settling their bill.

“Enjoy your breakfast. It’s buffet-style,” Bud said as Marc walked past.